First Weekend of Wood Badge Next Week

[mt_goodrich]

I can't say if I am excited or nervous.

I'll be attending Wood Badge Course SR-837 that will take place at Sid Richardson Scout Reservation northwest of Fort Worth.

We are to be there no later than 8:00 AM next Friday and will be there thru Sunday afternoon.

I have been scouring eBay for extra uniform items (got a great pair of long pants and a great pair of shorts). I've also picked up an extra short sleeve shirt and I went ahead and also got a long sleeve shirt for future use.

I'll head to the Scout shop and pick up a couple extra pair of socks to be in compliance of having a full uniform.

I plan on getting a new backpack to replace my 25 year old backpack that is falling apart. I'll pick that up on Tuesday.

I've been looking forward to attending Wood Badge for a long time. In 1992, I was able to attend the first weekend of Wood Badge training; however, was not able to complete second weekend due to an issue at work.

If anyone has any advice or words of encouragement, I'd certainly appreciate them.

[FrankJ]

Have fun at Wood Badge. As I am sure you know, the current Wood Badge course is different from the one you started in 92. Just do the course you are signed up for & remember it is just a game with a purpose.

[wagionvigil]

Have a great time and Enjoy. You will make great new friends. Sure hope you are a Bear we need more of them big guys.

[WVBeaver05]

Advise - you've heard it before this post, but:

HAVE FUN

and

PARTICIPATE

You will learn lots, make lifelong friends, and have a great time (although it will be work)!

YiS

[9009scoutmaster]

Have a good time and enjoy.

[riverwalk]

Here's an interesting thought, at least for me. I'm considering attending the newer WB course. I've heard one most surrender their beads from their previous course. Does that mean they hold them for you until the new course ends, or just that you can't wear them until completed?

[9009scoutmaster]

I do not know about having to surrender your beads, but riverwalk have you considered being on the WB course's staff.

[riverwalk]

Yes, but you have to first attend the 21st Century course as a participant, and surrender the beads. Hopefully I can work in attending again, then seek a staff opportunity. Several co-Scouters in one of my Districts hope to do this as well.

[wagionvigil]

I was asked to staff a 21st century course and I never took that version of WB.

[riverwalk]

Very interesting. Another example of different methods for different Councils?

[WVBeaver05]

Very interesting. Another example of different methods for different Councils?

I suspect more an example of different timing. When WB for the 21st Century started, it would obviously not have been possible to staff it with people who had participated. Also, I believe that National, not Councils set the requirements for WB staff. From what I have heard, the requirements are "tightening" over time.

YiS

[WVBeaver05]

Here's an interesting thought, at least for me. I'm considering attending the newer WB course. I've heard one most surrender their beads from their previous course. Does that mean they hold them for you until the new course ends, or just that you can't wear them until completed?

This question has come up in discussions that I have been part of. The answer people were given was that "surrender" actually means that you agree to not wear them until you fullfill the requirements of the new WB course (i.e. complete your ticket). Remembering that a Scout is Trustworthy.

Don't know if that is true, but that is the answer that I have heard.

YiS

[FrankJ]

Here's an interesting thought, at least for me. I'm considering attending the newer WB course. I've heard one most surrender their beads from their previous course. Does that mean they hold them for you until the new course ends, or just that you can't wear them until completed?

My completely unofficial opinion. Once you earn something in scouting, it is earned. So you do not officially surrender your beads. You earned them, be proud of them. The new wood badge course is sufficiently different from the old course that it worth taking. Out of respect for the course, instructors, fellow participants, do not wear your old beads while participating in the course. The level of commitment between the old course & new course is similar so do not take it if you are not willing to follow through. So at the end you will have earned another set of beads. And yes, wearing two woggles at the same time is tacky.

[riverwalk]

That's what I figured was going on. Yet, it would be nice to staff without going through all of it as a participant. Maybe in a few years we can. I do promote it often however.

[FrankJ]

Somewhat off topic. One of my patrol mates Eagled the year I was born (1959) A wise old owl indeed. He is also a silver beaver. A classic example of with the right attitude, you are never too old too earn new tricks.

[LSR]

Somewhat off topic. One of my patrol mates Eagled the year I was born (1959) A wise old owl indeed. He is also a silver beaver. A classic example of with the right attitude, you are never too old too earn new tricks.

We have a gentleman in our council who eagled in *1945* He occasionally wears a uniform that a: still fits and b: is only a few years younger than I am at 45. He taught at my outdoor leadership skills class and put us to shame.

[mt_goodrich]

UPDATE

I just got home about two hours ago. Tired, but still pumped up about my experience at my first weekend of Wood Badge.

I cannot tell you how my passion for Scouting has been further stoked. The guys in my patrol and I have come together so quickly in a short amount of time. I know that with two of them, they will become life long friends

The Staff is excellent and our Patrol Guide is awesome.

I know this is just the first Wood Badge weekend, but I already want to recommend it to anyone who has ever thought about attending.

[WVBeaver05]

I cannot tell you how my passion for Scouting has been further stoked. The guys in my patrol and I have come together so quickly in a short amount of time. I know that with two of them, they will become life long friends

Ah, the memories!! You are right, you really can't describe it (adequately). Fortunately, there are many, many folks here who have been there and know what you mean.

For those adults out there who haven't (yet), listen to the "new guy". What are you waiting for? Check out the schedule for your Council's next Woodbadge course and see if you can work it out.

(And remember, that Beavers rock !!)

YiS

[wagionvigil]

You failed to mention which patrol

[cballman]

probley aint the best one of them other critters that would shame me just as well-